| If I have a bad day, no, when I have a bad day, the | | | | teaching, my problem usually involved a student. As I |
| feeling of being upset, hurt, discouraged, or even angry, | | | | ran, I would say whatever I wanted to the student, in |
| dissipates after I run a few miles. Even after just two | | | | my head, and the student responded just the way I |
| miles, the stress starts to ebb. Eventually, all the | | | | wanted him or her to respond. Sometimes, I think that |
| anguish is gone, and I am renewed. | | | | mental role-playing was the secret to having a win-win |
| Now, if the problem is something horrible, life-changing, | | | | dialog with the student the next day. |
| running obviously cannot make that problem go away. | | | | A trail through the woods is the ideal place for a |
| However, the stress that problem caused is reduced | | | | recovering from a bad day run or walk. The fresh air |
| to a level that allows me to think clearly about what I | | | | cleanses your lungs as the smell of it intensifies your |
| must do. | | | | sense of camaraderie with Mother Nature. And the |
| I find myself wondering how many people could toss | | | | feeling is enhanced by the sense of being alone with |
| their anti-depressants -- and many other drugs for that | | | | your thoughts with the knowledge that no one can |
| matter -- if they just got outside and worked up a | | | | interfere. You hear only the music of birds chirping, |
| sweat. I'm sure running isn't the only exercise that has | | | | wind blowing, and leaves rustling. Whatever the |
| this effect. I imagine it is the best, though. Assuming | | | | problem, they will be on your side, empowering you to |
| you are not running in a locale that requires you to | | | | solve it. |
| navigate busy intersections, you can just meditate. It is | | | | Running is a powerful elixir. It's free, it's available every |
| both mindless and convenient. You don't need any | | | | day, and unlike a vacation, you'll have the satisfaction, |
| special gear or preparation. You walk out the door and | | | | the sheer appreciation that -- barring a debilitating injury |
| begin to run and continue until you stop. It is that simple. | | | | -- it will be available to you for the rest of your life. |
| And simple is optimal when you are trying to unwind | | | | You will always have the option of running -- or |
| and recover your mental peace. | | | | walking -- out that door, and that is the healthiest, and |
| What is it Thoreau said? "Simplify, simplify, simplify." | | | | therefore, the wisest, way to recover from a bad day. |
| If your problem involves another person, and it usually | | | | Copyright - Debbie Voiles. All Rights Reserved |
| does, you can have mental conversations. When I was | | | | Worldwide. |